Level II, Week of February 7th

Ordinary time following the Christmas season is almost over. Just as the liturgical colors are green, the essence of "ordinary time" is to grow and bear fruit after the feasting of Christmas. The atrium has gotten quite busy over the past few weeks as children have been spending more time on BIG works (such as the "Books of the Bible" material and the Missal work), and receiving more in-depth presentations.

Last week, many children participated in a Bible study called "The Synthesis of the Kingdom Parables I." This work is a meditation on the parables of growth: the Leaven, the Mustard Seed, and the Grain. As we thought about the properties of an "earthly" kingdom, we listened to these parables that Jesus used to teach about how different His Kingdom was. It is truly amazing to have the opportunity to truly hear these parables with the children, as they consider the meaning of the seed, leaven, and grain. There were many gasps and Aha! moments that remind the catechists of the simple beauty of Jesus' teaching and his promise:

"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike." Matthew 11:25

This week was also an opportunity for some 3rd grade children to go more in depth in their study of the Rite of Reconciliation. This card material helps the children learn about the 4 parts of this beautiful Sacrament of healing:

• Examination of Conscience-where we compare our life with the teachings of the Good Shepherd and realize that we are not always able to walk in His paths,
• Confession-where we confide our weaknesses and sins to God through the priest,
• Absolution-where the priest extends his hand above us and calls down the Holy Spirit as he prays the beautiful prayer of Absolution, and
• Penance-which is our response to the gift we have received in Jesus' death and Resurrection.

We will be opening up the atrium for observation time for parents and catechists who are interested in seeing what CGS is all about. If you are interested, please email me to set up a date and time!

God Bless!

Ms. Mandie, CGS Catechists and Director of Religious Education